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Justice Thomas Warns Progressivism Threatens Founding Principles

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas warned at University of Texas at Austin that progressivism threatens the nation’s founding principles.
He described progressivism as retrogressive.
He argued it conflicts with the Declaration of Independence’s natural rights and limited government.
The remarks reflect a divide on the Supreme Court during President Donald Trump’s presidency (inaugurated 2025), with a 6–3 majority.
The divide has consequences for debates over executive power and immigration enforcement.

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Story summary

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas warned at University of Texas at Austin that progressivism threatens the nation’s founding principles.
He described progressivism as retrogressive.
He argued it conflicts with the Declaration of Independence’s natural rights and limited government.
The remarks reflect a divide on the Supreme Court during President Donald Trump’s presidency (inaugurated 2025), with a 6–3 majority.
The divide has consequences for debates over executive power and immigration enforcement.